There are plenty of terrific bistros in Paris – believe me I know, I have been to many of them. However, time after time, I return to what I consider the perfect bistro experience – Chez Georges in the 2nd arrondissment, on 1 Rue du Mail – right off Place de la Victoire.

Mega – resteraunteur, Charlie Palmer has opened his newest enterprise at South Coast Plaza, in Costa Mesa, California. So, as a long time OC resident, I thought it dutiful to go try this new extravagant establishment to see if it added some quality to the sorrowful Orange County restaurant scene.

I happen to live in Orange County, California – fate brought me to this part of the country – actually a job ad in the L.A. Times, but I tend to romanticize everything. I have no real complaints, the weather is great, low crime, good schools for the kids and the beach is just a stone’s throw away.